Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: First, I would like to make an announcement regarding my visit to Africa starting tomorrow.

From April 29 to May 6, I will visit four African countries—Zambia, Angola, Kenya, and South Africa—and hold meetings with their presidents, foreign ministers, and high-level officials.

In an increasingly severe international situation, cooperation with countries of the Global South that are gaining a greater voice in the international community, particularly those in Africa, one of the key regions, is becoming ever more important in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

From this perspective, building on the trust and cooperation forged over many years through initiatives such as the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), Japan, as a partner in co-creating the future, intends to strengthen bilateral relations with the countries I am set to visit, which share fundamental values and possess great potential. By aligning views on the regional situation, Japan aims to further enhance cooperation, including in the international arena.

Furthermore, given the ongoing situation surrounding energy and resources, I intend to enhance cooperation and collaboration to strengthen supply chain resilience by pursuing resource diplomacy with African countries that are rich in critical minerals and other resources.

In addition, in Kenya, where Japan proposed the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” in 2016, I will deliver a speech on the evolution of FOIP, which marks the tenth anniversary of its launch this year, as well as on Japan’s diplomacy toward Africa based on this evolution, with the aim of sharing Japan’s approach and initiatives.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Yomiuri Shimbun, FUKUDA: You are scheduled to visit Africa, where concerns have been raised regarding the region’s reliance on Chinese debt. I would like to ask what options Japan intends to propose during this visit, as well as your views on the issue of African countries’ debt to China.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: In Africa, it is a fact that debt owed to China constitutes a significant share of total external debt in several countries, including those I will be visiting.

That being said, Japan believes that development finance to developing countries, including those in Africa, must be implemented in a manner that complies with international standards such as openness and transparency. I believe that Japan’s assistance, which ensures openness and transparency, is highly valued by many countries.

In the spirit of ownership and partnership, Japan intends to continue supporting the efforts of African countries toward sustainable development, including by strengthening their autonomy and resilience through various assistance tools. During my visit, I plan to reiterate Japan’s position on these matters to African countries.

Radio France, NISHIMURA: There are increasingly anti-Chinese statements and posts in some Japanese magazines, books, social media, YouTube, and other media. At the same time, there are quite a few anti-Japanese posts on Chinese media. Please share your thoughts on this situation at the people-to-people level in the context of Japan-China relations.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am aware that there are some critical views of each other’s country among citizens on both sides, as reflected in public opinion polls and various communications.

That being said, the Government of Japan’s policy of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” with China and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations” has remained consistent.

Precisely because there are concerns and issues, it is all the more important for Japan and China to communicate with each other, and the Government of Japan remains open to dialogue with China at all levels. Japan will work to promote mutual understanding and foster mutual trust at the people-to-people level.

Yomiuri Shimbun, FUKUDA: I would like to ask one more question regarding your upcoming overseas visit. The situation in Iran has exposed the challenges posed by our reliance on the Middle East for oil. You are scheduled to visit Angola this time. What is Japan’s position on procuring oil from Angola? Can concrete progress in procurement or cooperation be expected through this visit?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: With regard to crude oil, at the Ministerial Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East held on April 24, Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that Japan has secured the necessary quantity of crude oil for the country as a whole beyond the end of the year, and that Japan is also on track toward procuring approximately 60% of domestic demand for crude oil in May via alternative routes that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Government is stepping up efforts to further diversify Japan’s sources of crude oil, and during my visit to Africa, I intend to hold a meaningful discussion with Angola, an oil-producing country you mentioned. Please look forward to the outcome.